Remnants Of The Jamaican Past

Remnants of the Jamaican Past

Memories of two very different cultures blend into the diverse world of Jamaica, adding a cultural side to its natural charm. Most of the historic remnants that you can see on the island are from the colonial era, a time when Jamaica was governed by the Spanish and the British. But before those times, the island was inhabited by peoples who lived according to traditions of thousands of years. Not very much has been preserved from what these peoples left behind, except some relics on display in museums and some ancient echoes still felt in the island's cultural traditions and culinary customs.

Still, we cannot say that the traces of those early civilizations are extinct. In the luxuriant tropical setting of the Coyoba River Garden, on Shaw Park Ridge Road in Ochos Rios, you'll find a museum displaying such relics. Among the artifacts you can see here, there are some that belonged to the Arawak, a sea-faring native tribe that inhabited the island before the colonial era. The museum is open between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. every day, and the admission fee is $5 for visitors over 12 years of age.

The island began to change with the coming of the Europeans. The most visible change, and of most dramatic consequences to the native inhabitants, were the many plantations. Once witnesses of grievous cruelty, many of them are now restored and functioning as tourist sites. This is the case of Rose Hall Great House, a mansion built in the second half of the 19th century on a sugar plantation exploiting 2,000 slaves. Most of the house's fame, or rather notoriety, comes from the stories that tell of the dreadful murders and infamous acts of one of the mistresses, who has reportedly been haunting the place since her violent death. The admission fee is $15 for visitors older than 12 and $10 for those under 12 years of age. The museum is open daily between 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Prospect Plantation is also worth visiting - it's a working plantation renovated and transformed into an educational site. You can also explore it on horseback, besides walking within the working farm areas. Located on Route A3, this establishment organizes three tours per day, from Monday to Saturday. The tours begin at 10:30 a.m., 2 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. For children under 12, the fee is $6, and visitors older than 12 will be charged $12. The fee for horseback riding is $20 per hour.

A visit to Spanish Town will show you some 18th century British architecture blending with ruins of the earlier Spanish domination, creating another example of unique Jamaican experience. You'll want to walk through the town to capture the beauty of the place to the fullest. The Saint James cathedral is a landmark for a much larger span than just the area of Spanish Town, as it is the oldest cathedral in the Western Hemisphere.

Jamaica is clearly a lot more than just relaxed ambience and beautiful beaches. The wonderful places that you can explore are not just beautiful, but also laden with historic value and cultural heritage. The island is likely to provide not only pleasant experiences, but also enriching ones.

Remnants of the Jamaican Past

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Remnants Of The Jamaican Past